And with the sweat of your brow...

[bathymetric]

Fun Fact: Did you know that if the multiverse is real, there could be an almost infinite square mileage of completely unexplored ocean out there?

No reason.

...

You wake in one of 25 rooms with a sense of unease that doesn't quite track with how nice the accommodations are. Maybe it has something to do with the giant window leading out to the sea. The temperature is low, which might make you wish you had woken up under the luxurious covers instead of atop them. The lights, too, are low. But next to your bed is a small personal radio, and it's playing a song for you. There's also a small note printed on folded cardstock next to it.

Dear Prospective Citizen,

Welcome to the Helios Suites at New Rapture. The time should currently be 12:00 PM. Please take a moment to get your bearings and become acquainted with your new environment, then meet in the hotel lobby at 1:30 PM sharp for an orientation with Mayor Fontaine.

With only that for guidance, there's only the one thing to do: get out there and start exploring... well, it's hardly a full city, but it's something! And in the halls (or on the wall of your suite or the lobby), you very well may find up to 24 other captives.

What you do until your meeting with Mayor Fontaine, well... that's up to you. Every room certainly gives you something to talk about.

Comments

[withagun]

[ Oh god. Oh god. Oh god, really?! ]

You're...a prince? Like...like, royalty?

[ Oh god! ]

Excuseme! [ Hodaka bows his head a little more than he probably should. ] I didn't realize- I've never spoken to a royalty before!

[visiblepattern]

[oh no

oh no it's adorable]

Well, now you have. It's quite all right, I'm here along with the rest of you and I'd like to help out in any way I can, so it's not like I need special treatment or anything.

[withagun]

[ have you ever been just so awkward, at all times? ]

Mm- are- you sure, uh, Forrest-san? [ There it is. ] If you're- [ He raises his head, an eyebrow raised. ] You're really royalty? Like, really?

[visiblepattern]

[Oh no.]

I am, yes. And I'm absolutely certain! There's no need to treat me differently than anyone else.

[withagun]

[ He gulps, but nods and tries desperately not to slip into keigo. ]

...Do, um. This isn't- because you're royalty, I promise- do...you need a hand up?

[visiblepattern]

Oh, um... I would appreciate that, actually.

[He'll reach his hand out in, again, a weirdly delicate manner; basically, he literally does not mind if anyone mistakes him for a woman because like, who blames them.]

[withagun]

[ It really is delicate. It reminds him of Hina, which gives him only a moment's pause and reflection—before he shakes it off almost physically and takes Forrest's hand. Despite Hodaka's slightly too big t-shirt and how he's pretty much the same size as Forrest, it seems he's got a pretty nice grip! ]

There we go...!

[visiblepattern]

Thank you.

[His expression is warm, and so is his hand, really; he rises easily enough, not leaning too hard on assistance, but it's good to know it's there if he stumbles or something.]

You really are being kind. If you ever need anything, you can let me know. Even if it's just to listen to anything you have to say.

[withagun]

Oh, um-

[ Once he's sure Forrest is up and standing, Hodaka withdraws his hand. ]

'Course I'm gonna...try and be kind. You were upset.

[ He says it as if it's the most natural thing in the world. Because the smallest gesture can make a difference, can't it? ]